1. Simon Edwards
Go Home Lake, near Port Severn, Ont., is very active year round, says Simon Edwards. As a resident of 40 years, he helps his neighbours by monitoring the “ice bridge,” a popular winter access route. Simon chips about 80 holes into its surface each time he checks the ice thickness. In between, he watches conditions with a security camera. “Five inches of ice is good for a snowmobile,” he says.
Even in the off-season, it’s important to keep an eye on your waterfront property. FOCA has great tips and advice on their website for how to prep your property for winter, how to avoid costly accidents, and how to set yourself up for success in the spring.
Photo Courtesy Peter Mackintosh
2. Joan Hamilton
Joan Hamilton tackles many volunteer projects on Big Hawk Lake, Ont. She organizes the annual Float the River in Style water parade; she co-authored a book on local lake history; and she brought the Bondar Challenge—an event introducing kids to nature photography—to the area. “Through my involvement with the lake association, I’ve made wonderful friends,” says Joan. “There are so many benefits to volunteerism.”
Getting involved with your local cottager association is a great way to build community on your lake. FOCA connects cottagers and lake associations with valuable resources and trusted knowledge to create stronger cottage communities.
Photo Courtesy Kieran Molony
3. Kieran Molony
Kieran Molony grew up on Lake of Bays, Ont. He’s made lifelong friends by volunteering for the lake association and working odd jobs. His most important gig? Monitoring phosphorous and bacteria levels in the lake. At the end of a long day, Kieran unwinds with a beer or two, donning this jumpsuit only on special occasions. “We did an ’80s-themed fundraiser for the lake, and there were two other guys with the same outfit.”
Kieran was also featured in FOCA’s March newsletter for his water testing on Lake of Bays. FOCA’s Lake Partner Program gives lake associations access to the tools needed to detect, combat, and monitor invasive species and water quality on Ontario’s lakes.
Photo Courtesy Conrad Grégoire
Photo Courtesy Conrad Grégoire
4 and 5. Conrad Grégoire and Dave Overholt
Cottagers Conrad Grégoire and Dave Overholt have spent more than a decade testing for invasive species on White Lake, Ont. In 2024, they used new eDNA technology to confirm the presence of zebra mussels, posting the results on their lake association’s website, wlpp.ca. Unlike traditional sampling methods, eDNA “allows the early detection of invasive species,” explains Dave. The duo credits the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) for accessing this new method through their IsampleON and Lake Partner programs. Think your lake could benefit? Go to foca.on.ca/lake-partner-program to learn more.
These unsung heroes originally appeared in the Early Spring ’26, Spring ’26, Early Summer ’26, and Summer ’26 issues of Cottage Life.
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